In wake of recent allegations relating to a toxic work culture, a probe has been launched into The Ellen DeGeneres Show, reports Variety. The show is being subjected to an internal investigation by WarnerMedia in response to various anecdotes made public that detail inapropriate behaviour by senior management.
According to sources cited by Variety, a memo has been sent to employees last week. As per the memo, executives from show producer Telepictures and distributor Warner Bros. Television have engaged WBTV-owner WarnerMedia’s employee relations group and a third party firm, inorder to conduct interviews of current and former staffers about their experiences on set.
The name of the third party consultant was not immediately clear. Both companies underscored their commitment to providing an environment where employees can flourish, said one of the individuals familiar with the document.
Earlier this month, an expose published on Buzzfeed News featured detailed anecdotes of various former employees that pointed towards misconduct by management. Describing the environment as “filled with racism, fear and intimidation,” the employees relayed instances where some were fired for taking medical or bereavement leaves, and were also instructed to not talk to Ellen if they saw her in the office.
A black woman who had been on the team for a year-and-a-half said she experienced “racist comments, actions, and microagressions.” She also quoted a main writer on the show who told her, “I’m sorry, I only know the names of the white people who work here.” The offhanded comment at a work party was laughed off by other employees.
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